Organic foods are a big part of keeping it green. Organics keep pesticides out of our air, water and soil, and more importantly keep harmful chemicals out of your body and your family’s body. However, not all organics are the same, keep check on the following tips to get the most bang for your organic buck.
Look for the USDA seal. The USDA organic seal is not foolproof, but right now it’s the best guarantee you’ve got that your food is actually organic. The Certified Organic label is regulated by the USDA and all foods wearing this label must be grown without chemicals, synthetic fertilizers, hormones, and other genetically altered baddies. If a food item says stuff like “natural”, “from nature”, “chemical free” or anything else, it could be sure, but right now those labels technically mean nothing. Why shop for possible fake organics? Learn more about food labels.
Look for the code. Those little stickers affixed to fruits and veggies do actually mean something. At my store the conventional pears do sometimes roll into the organic bin, so if you want real organics look for the sticker. Real organics have a little sticker that carry a five digit code that starts with the number nine.
Look for essentials. You can buy organic cookies, cakes, chips, and other prepackaged foods, but since organic is more costly, why not spend the money on foods closer to the earth. Whole fruits and veggies, bread, milk, and so fourth vs. all the little extras.
Look for the big bads. There are some foods that are safer than others in conventional form. Personally, I think that as much organic as you can afford is a good idea, because organics are about more than personal health. It’s also about chemicals and pesticides in the atmosphere – it’s about keeping growers healthy – and it’s about showing the government that you do want your dollars going toward organics. BUT if you have to make a choice you should know that some organic foods are far more important than others.
If you’re looking for tips about how to save money on organic food for the holidays check out the Celebrate Green podcast on exploring organics for the holidays – I was a guest on the Celebrate Green radio show, and that’s just what we talked about.
